City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Commission met Sept. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Gary called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Colon, Gary, Gottschalk, Rehg and Seaton
Absent: Bronnbauer and Nagel
Also present: Director of Parks and Recreation Kimberly Caughran; Superintendent of Parks and Open Spaces Jared Chestnut, Superintendent of Recreation Kristen Siebert, Superintendent of Aquatics Jessica Wiedman, Mike Kamp, Erik Illies and six representatives from the Raiders organization
C. SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR
a. Eran Distler the athletic director for the Raiders organization stated that her interest tonight is the Jaycee Sports Complex and the improvements planned for the park.
b. Jay Merkel with Extreme Detailz presented a proposal to make a winter wonderland at Woodland Park. He left his proposal with the staff.
c. Terry Parker spoke on behalf of the Raiders. He first thanked the commission for their work and stated that he loves what the City is doing at the Sports Complex. He stated that the Raiders are concerned that the new layout excludes the Raiders.
d. David Borror asked how the past agendas can be found on the website. He also asked about a timeline for the Sports Complex construction.
D. DISCUSSION
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. A motion was made by Seaton, seconded by Rehg to approve the minutes of the July 19, 2022, meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
F. NEW BUSINESS
a. Fall Programs: The list of upcoming programs was presented to the commission members. Gary asked if there were any questions and commented that the layout looks great. Siebert expanded on the Green Halloween Costume Exchange as well.
b. Holiday Programs: Siebert explained that the parade will be traveling in the OPPOSITE direction as it normally has and end at the Collins House for fun activities after the parade. Caughran reported on the holiday home decorating contest that the Community Appearance Board will judge. Siebert explained that there is a small fee to enter the contest and that will go towards the prizes for the winners.
G. OLD BUSINESS
a. Project Updates: Caughran reported on some of the ongoing projects.
SHELTERS: One shelter is nearly complete, and Street Department is working on an additional two shelters currently.
ROTARY PLAYGROUND: The build has begun this week. Chestnut reported that pretty good progress has been made in the first two days of construction.
FOUNTAINS AND LAKES: Caughran reported that the department is aware the lakes are in rough shape. The addition of bubblers and fountains has happened this year to deter the growth of the duck week. The maintenance crew has also used chemical treatment; manual removal and is looking for grass carp to help aet the weeds. The lakes will need to be dredged to restore the health of the lakes. Chestnut reported that solar fountains and bubblers are being investigated for Schnucks Park.
TREE REMOVAL: Caughran reported that a major tree removal project has happened at Woodland Park.
SPORTS COMPLEX FEASIBILITY STUDY: Caughran reported that the project was thought to take six months but is still ongoing. With the addition of the adjacent 13 acres and the inclusion of the school district property to the south, the plan has taken on many iterations. The inclusion of an indoor facility has also expanded the duration of the project. The feasibility study is currently in draft form and will be presented to the City Council when completed.
ADDITIONAL CIP PROJECTS: Three trucks have been ordered; Fletcher Field has had improvements, the furniture in the Activity Center has been upgraded, three mowers were purchased. The picnic tables and trash receptacles ordered for the Sports Complex are still awaiting delivery. The Wi-Fi, fire alarm system and sound system are being upgraded at the farm. The last item is a piece of equipment for the maintenance crew.
H. STAFF REPORT
a. Weidman reported that the waterpark season ended on September 5. The weekend was very slow due to weather. It was not how we wanted to end but made the best of it- got a lot of the closing duties done. It was a crazy and busy season. Overall, we did have a great season. We did have issues with patrons and staffing, but it was seemingly a lot better of a season than last on this front. Surveys have been sent to staff and pass holders to get ideas on how to improve moving forward. Suggestions always welcome please email or call me. Westport will be here next week to winterize the waterpark. Plumbing will come in next month to winterize the restrooms and concessions. Other than continuing to get the waterpark ready for winter, we will be working on 2023 budget and pricing, programs and events, maintenance updates/tasks that need to be done and we will start trainings and hiring as early as November/December this year. If you have any ideas or suggestions for next year, please reach out to me. Season passes will go on sale in November.
b. Chestnut reported on the construction of the shelters and playgrounds. He mentioned that his crew is short staffed with two open positions. He commended his current crew for their hard work and keeping up with the workload. Fall ball picked up this week so filed prep is back in the rotation of duties.
c. Siebert began her report by noting the recurring programs:
Drop In Volleyball
“Drop in Volleyball” is open play for adults ages 18 and up at Dorris Intermediate School Gym. Come to our Open Gym Style play and practice on Mondays from 6:30-8:30p. No registration required. $5 cash to participate—to be paid on site. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
Yoga
This class is taught for the beginner student but can be practiced by the most advanced student. We can accommodate those that maybe more comfortable practicing with props, including chairs. Classes will be held inside the Activity Center on Mondays Registration by Month; October available
Karate
Taught by Kevin Dressel
Tuesdays starting at 7:00p
Registration available by date
She touched on the fall programs that are coming up and have been covered earlier in the agenda.
Green Halloween Costume Swap
Gently used costumes can be dropped off at Collinsville Parks and Recreation Activity Center September 6th through October 7th. Each donation will be awarded a swap voucher to be used during any of the 3 available swap days for a “new” costume. All donations are final. Costumes will vary in style and size, and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Sizes ranges from youth to adult.
Just want to donate? Please do! We will gladly accept costume donations. Just indicate to our staff that you are offering a donation and do not need a swap token.
Swap Event Dates
Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 4:00p-7:00p
Wednesday October 12th, 2022 4:00p-7:00p
Thursday October 13th, 2022 4:00p-7:00p
Drop Off Schedule
September 1st through October 7th
Mondays/Tuesdays 8:30a-7:00p
Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays 8:30a-4:30p
Halloween House Decoration Contest
Do you have the BEST Halloween décor? Let’s put it to a vote! Participating Collinsville homes will be judged on creativity, use of decorations, and overall appearance. Participants must register through Parks and Recreation. Registered houses will be marked by a yard sign provided by the Parks and Rec Department. A guide of all participating houses will be published on the Collinsville website and Facebook page. Houses will be judged by members of the Community Appearance Board from October 19th-23rd, 2022. The Judges top 3 choices will be posted on the Collinsville Parks and Recreation Facebook Page for a community vote. Select the “Like” option on the picture of your favorite house.
Community voting ends after Thursday, October 27th. Winner will be announced on the Collinsville Parks and Recreation Facebook page on Friday October 28th. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Bonfires and Brews
Join us at Willoughby Farm for a night of beer tasting, s'mores, bonfires, and music. Participants must be at least 21 years of age to participate and will need to provide proper identification at the event. Each registrant will receive 2 drink tickets and a gift bag. Complimentary S'mores will be available. Additional drinks, water, and soda will be available to purchase.
Light up Collinsville Holiday Lights
Let’s Light Up Collinsville for the Holidays! Participating Collinsville homes will be judged on creativity, use of decorations, and overall appearance. Participants must register through Collinsville Parks and Recreation. Registered houses will be marked by a yard sign provided by the Parks and Rec Department. A guide of all participating houses will be published on the Collinsville website and Facebook page.
Houses will be judged by members of the Community Appearance Board from December 7thth-11th 2022. The Judges top 3 choices will be posted on the Collinsville
Parks and Recreation Facebook Page for a community vote. Select the “Like” option on the picture of your favorite house.
Voting ends Thursday December 15th, 2022. Winner will be announced on the Collinsville Parks and Recreation Facebook page on Friday, December 16th. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Christmas at Collins House and Light Up Parade
Event will include an evening Holiday Light-Up Parade through uptown Collinsville and end with Festivities at the Historical DD Collins House. Festivities at Collins House will include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday themed activities! Parade Entries are still needed.
Siebert then commented on upcoming programming ideas and updates including: CBSL
Spring 2023
TRUE Rec League; 12-14 games
End of season Party
Memorial Day Festival
May 28th, 2023
Website Page
Sponsors
Time Change (4-9p)
Vendors/Food Trucks
Entertainment
d. Caughran summarized Robbins’ printed report.
“WHERE’S THAT CANDLE?!” The second activity that we’re running with the Sesquicentennial Candles is called “Where’s That Candle?!” Participants can pick-up an Activity Sheet at the Activity Center or City Hall or can print one from our website, then match-up the snippets of candles to where they’re located around town, and then submit their completed Activity Sheet at the Activity Center or City Hall. Participants that correctly match all the 15 candles on the Activity Sheet to their locations will be entered into a drawing for a prize basket that includes some Sesquicentennial souvenirs as well as gift cards to local businesses. Entries must be submitted by Friday, September 30th.
In November & December, we’ll be running two final candle-related programs: GOLDEN SESQUICENTENNIAL CANDLE HUNT - November 2022 - Residents have gotten used to seeing the GIANT candles all over the City, but now they'll be searching a MINIATURE, GOLDEN Sesquicentennial Candle that's hidden somewhere in the Collinsville City limits. Clues will be released twice a week that will point to the candle's whereabouts; the first person to find the candle and bring it back to the Collinsville Activity Center will win a fabulous prize. Stay tuned for more details!
HOLIDAY CANDLE WORKSHOP - December 2022 - Want to own a piece of Collinsville history? The Parks & Recreation department will be hosting a Holiday Candle Workshop, where participants will be able to decorate one of the Sesquicentennial Candles and keep it to use as a festive decoration year after year. More details to come!
ALL ABOARD PLAYTIME: All Aboard Playtime started back up on August 23rd and runs on Tuesdays from 10am-4pm (extended hours from what used to be 10am-12pm). More kids attended in the first four weeks of the current session (33 participants) than we did in the fourteen weeks of our first session that ran from February to May 2022 (27 total participants), and the extended hours have helped contribute to that.
“PARKS AFTER DARK” NOT-SO-SPOOKY SERIES: This October, we’re running a “Parks After Dark” Not-So-Spooky Thursday Night Series. Each Thursday night will be a different program in a different Collinsville park. For all the details about each program, visit www.collinsvilleil.org. Here’s a brief overview:
i. “GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE” MOVIE NIGHT – October 6th @ The Historic Collins House. No registration required. Who you gonna call…to join you?!
ii. CREATURES OF THE NIGHT WALK-THROUGH – October 13th @ Willoughby Farm. $5 advanced registration per participant. Fun for the family!
iii. COMMUNITY TRUNK-OR-TREAT – October 20th @ Glidden Park. No registration required. If your business or organization is interested in having a “Trunk” at the event, call me at 618-346-7529.
iv. PUMPKIN GLOW & FLOAT – October 27th @ Woodland Park. Free advanced registration required.
SENIOR SHUTTLE UPDATES: The Collinsville Senior Shuttle remains a very popular service for residents. With almost 10 days left in Q1 for FY23, our ride statistics have already passed where we ended for Q1 in FY22. Our Shuttle staff has been down a Driver/Assistant for months. If you know of somebody who is looking for a part-time job and is customer-service/safety-oriented, please send them our way! The pay is $15 per hour and Shuttle staff members work an average of 16 hours per week.
ROOM RENTALS & PAVILION RENTALS: Activity Center room rentals and pavilion rentals remain steady – looking forward to new pavilions!
e. Caughran gave a quick report. She began with noting that the department hosted the Southern Illinois Park and Recreation Association (SIPRA) at Willoughby Farm on September 9, 2022. She continued with some urban forestry initiatives including private property tree inventories, the designation of Tree City USA and the establishment of a tree plan. She continued by stating that the department is working with public works and community development to establish a bike and ped plan. She mentioned that she is working with a small group of individuals including the Rotary on sprucing up the Uptown Christmas decorations.
I. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Gary asked about the open positions. Chestnut replied that the positions are full time positions in parks maintenance that make about $37,000 annually and qualify for overtime. Seaton asked about the inclusion of a football field and the continuance of CBSL. He continued by stating that no organization should have a building on public property. Seaton mentioned that he thinks the
Winter Wonderland is a cool idea and he would be happy to help. Gary likes the idea as well. Caughran replied that she likes the idea, but the timeline gives her pause. Chestnut commented on the power source or lack thereof. Seaton asked about Listemann Park as a part of the department and the homelessness problems there. Caughran replied that homelessness is a problem in all the parks with Listemann being one of the more extreme. Chestnut reported that he and his crew clean up the messes left behind. Colon thanked the members of the Raiders organization for showing up. She indicated that they need a voice and space in our community and in the sports complex as it develops. Colon also commented on the short turnaround of the Winter Wonderland idea. Gary commented that the Raiders are a stakeholder in the community. Caughran replied that there is a way to structure and schedule the facility to accommodate the large tournaments while also serving the local community taking in total economic impact. Gottschalk commended Wiedman on a job well done with the Aqua Park last season. She indicated that she and her daughters sent a lot of time there and everything was very clean, and they felt safe. Seaton also said that the Aqua Park seemed more controlled this season.
J. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
a. Raiders
b. MERBL
K. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Seaton, seconded by Colon adjourn the meeting at 7:09 pm.
Aye: 5
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
Abstain: 0
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